When JRD Tata Chose Ratan Tata as His Successor for the Tata Group

Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, took over the Tata Group in March 1991. In a 1997 interview on the show ‘Rendezvous with Simi Garewal,’ he shared the story of his takeover.

JRD Tata, who was suffering from heart issues, informed Ratan Tata about his decision to step down while hospitalised at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

Ratan Tata recalled, “We were together in Jamshedpur for a function, and I had to leave for Stuttgart for negotiations. When I returned, I learned he had a heart problem and was in the hospital. I visited him daily. He was discharged on a Friday, and the following Monday, I went to see him at the office.”

During that meeting, JRD Tata said, “I have something new to tell you. What happened in Jamshedpur made me realise I need to step down, and I believe you should take my place.”

After a few days, he presented this decision to the board.

While Ratan Tata didn’t recall the exact date, Simi Garewal suggested it was March 25, 1991.

He described the emotional boardroom meeting, saying, “Many colleagues remarked that it was a historic day, given the deep emotions tied to JRD stepping down after 40 to 50 years. However, the real history and emotion were not just about that transition.”

He noted how JRD Tata reflected on his years with the company, sharing experiences without self-praise. “That meeting felt like an archival recount of his journey with Tata. It was a moving experience for everyone present.”

This marked the end of one era and the beginning of another.

When asked about the lessons he learned from JRD Tata, Ratan Tata said he admired his sense of justice, value system, and simplicity. “I hope to emulate them, even just half as much.”

Ratan Tata passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 86 in Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

His previous interviews have since gained attention online.